Leadership Style

Which leadership style in your opinion is the best? Why?

This question is related to the below essay:

Various factors within the population influence the ongoing changes in the healthcare landscape. These factors require examining the leadership needs of the APN roles applicable today and in the future. In chapter 21 of Advanced Practice Nursing: Essentials for Role Development, Joel (2018) outlines several leadership theories or styles, including Clinical Leadership and Congruent Leadership.

     Clinical Leadership is a leadership style that focuses on enhancing patient outcomes by delivering high-quality, evidence-based care. It involves leading by example and actively participating in patient care while delegating responsibilities to other healthcare professionals (Evans, 2022). Congruent Leadership, on the other hand, involves aligning individual and organizational values, creating a shared vision, and empowering others to achieve that vision.

     As an APN, one might use Clinical Leadership theory in their clinician role by leading by example, demonstrating evidence-based practice, and encouraging colleagues to do the same. In the educator role, this theory could be applied by promoting a culture of continuous learning and by mentoring other healthcare professionals to improve their clinical skills. In the administrator role, Clinical Leadership could drive quality improvement initiatives and ensure that patients receive the best possible care.

     Congruent Leadership could be used in the APN roles of entrepreneur, consultant, and leader. As an entrepreneur, one might use this theory to ensure all stakeholders are aligned with that vision. In the consultant role, Congruent Leadership could be used to establish a collaborative approach with clients to identify and address their needs. As a leader, this theory could create a culture of trust, openness, and shared values, leading to better engagement, job satisfaction, and patient outcomes.

     One example of exemplary Clinical Leadership in action is demonstrated by Pizzirani et al. (2019) in their article on developing clinical leadership skills. Evans emphasizes the importance of leading by example, being actively involved in patient care, and fostering a culture of learning and improvement. It is consistent with the principles of Clinical Leadership and demonstrates its effectiveness in improving patient outcomes.

                                                                                  References

Evans, N. (2022). How you can develop your clinical leadership skills. Nursing Management, 29(2), 14–15. https://doi.org/10.7748/nm.29.2.14.s6

Joel, L.A., (2018). Advanced practice nursing. Essentials for Role Development (4th Ed.). Philadelphia, PA: F.A. Davis.

Pizzirani, B., O’Donnell, R., Skouteris, H., Crump, B., & Teede, H. (2019). Clinical leadership development in Australian healthcare: A systematic review. Internal Medicine Journal, 50(12), 1451–1456. https://doi.org/10.1111/imj.14713